If you want something that just works, I would go to 120/240/230V AC genets plus a batterycharger.

I am included in the hordes of cruisers who have had to pay to have the Panda DC genet removed from the boat after a lost struggle. Put in a Northern Lights instead and never had any trouble since while maintenance dropped to a fraction of what is used to be (and that's 9 years trouble free after the switch!).

Frankly, most of the complaints on the FP's seem to be from 10 years or so in the past when the company was under different management. Many of the people that decry the units are the same folks that were naysayers then. It is unlikely that the Company would survive, to say nothing of thrive, if its products were as bad as some suggest. Never-the-less, Jedi's suggestion is not without merit as there are other good units available.

FWIW...

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__________________"It is not so much for its beauty that the Sea makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from the waves, that so wonderfully renews a weary spirit."

Next year we plan to reintroduce the Lombardini into our generator line.Presently it’s the: 8080VP-12 VolvoPentaengineOr 8080M-L2E Mitsubishi engineI didn't see either one on their website. The 8080VP-13 that is listed looks interesting.

The Ample Power Genie is available in 150 amp and I hear 280 amp now. It's a Kubota dieselengine with variable speed. Ample power has been building Alternators and Next Step Regulators for many years. However, it is basically a very small company. Their website is a bit archaic so might be best to call and discuss your needs. website: Genie Diesel Alternators Lots of stuff on a google search too...

__________________"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard

It is important to determine if a DC generator is the right generator for your application? DC generators are primarily used in batterycharging applications. The Fischer Panda DC AGT generators are reliable and efficient units. They operate at variable speed and run between 1700 and 2800 RPM based on need. This feature can improve overall fuelconsumption. The generators come with a built in auto-start feature that senses battery voltage, which in turn automatically switches the generator on or off.

We use a single cylinder Kubota engine on the AGT 4000. This engine is designed to run at 3000 rpm. The gensets are 100% freshwater cooled and come with an effective sound shield. These features, coupled with the lower operating RPM makes it one of our quieter units. The decibal reading on an operating AGT 4000 64db at 1 meter. If you are interested in an AGT generator with twin cylinders, the next size up is our AGT 5000 which also comes in 12v.

As with anyone's generator, installation is critical not only for longevity but also for noise. Feel free to give me a call to discuss your application or any other questions you might have.

We have sold a lot of AGTs due to the push for electricpropulsion and they have been very reliable. It is very important with these units to size and install them correctly.